Online college programs are not just hype but a reality. With these, the possibilities are endless. But hard work, perseverance, and intelligence come prior to the gratification that a college diploma brings no matter which way got it – through online college programs or traditional universities.

Every year, millions of students bravely sign up for online college programs knowing these will be beneficial. About four years ago, some 6 million students took up online college programs while renowned universities like Harvard, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford launched their own online university counterparts. This year, Berkeley also commenced its first online degree programs. The University of Texas, Ohio State University, and University of Florida, among others are state universities that have already made online college programs available to graduate and undergraduate students proving that the advantages of the web are being realized.

Accreditation Of Online College Programs

As accreditation makes the online college program shine brighter than non-accredited schools, you should check whether the following organizations accredit the online university you plan to enroll in:

North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA)

Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS)

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU)

Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)

These regional accreditation organizations grant accreditation to applicants after a series of screening. On the other hand, the Distance Education Training Council (DETC), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education, also certifies colleges and online universities but render lesser power. Regionally accredited online college programs barely accept credits from DETC-accredited online schools and many companies pay little recognition to them as well. As much as possible, look for online college programs that are accredited regionally. The USDE put up a web site that students can refer to for the verification of online college programs’ accreditation details.

College Online Programs Myths

If you are new in the field of online college programs, there are many thing you may have not yet known so you tend to believe speculations, assumptions, and rumors.

Online college programs are costly. Maybe but against in-campus courses, we don’t think so. Imagine how much you have to pay for college tuition, books, and lodging (unless you are staying at your parents’ crib) not to mention transportation, food allowance, miscellaneous expenses, and school projects. This is the reason why students work and study at the same time because they know their parents’ money cannot cover all the expenditures.

Online college programs are not effective. It depends how you handle your studies or juggle your time. In the first place, online college programs are meant to be convenient and not demanding. Its effectiveness depends on the student just like in the campus.

Online college programs even accredited ones cannot get you a decent employment and better office position. If this is the case, then maybe online college programs should be phased out! The reason why students are encouraged to look for the right combinations – university, accreditation, course outline, etc – is to make sure that your requirements as well as the school’s and the employers’ are met. Providers of these online college programs go to great lengths to give you the highest quality of education possible so you can use them effectively for your advancement. It took distance learning more than a decade for online degrees to get the respect it deserves. Back then, online college programs were indeed considered invalid and not applicable because of its very convenient nature but over the years, many people and institutions have seen through online college programs, how effective the system is, and how they are equal with if not superior to traditional coursework. So to speak, this is a good time to take advantage.

Flexibility and the focused student-instructor collaboration are two of online college programs’ best features. You get to become a mom, a housekeeper, and a student at the same time because online college programs give you absolute freedom in terms of schedule. Learning is also interactive, simulating the spontaneity of classroom discussions for better understanding. If there is anything missing, ask the university where you plan to take up your online college programs for clarifications.